MHC class II expression and antigen presentation by human endometrial cells

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Reproductive Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Previous studies showed mixed reproductive tract cells present antigens.
• Antigen presentation by isolated female reproductive tract epithelial cells was not previously investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate antigen presentation by isolated human endometrial epithelial cells.
• To determine if endometrial epithelial cells express MHC class II and can process/present antigens.

Main Methods:

• Freshly isolated endometrial epithelial cells were analyzed for MHC class II expression.
• Epithelial cells were cultured with interferon gamma (IFNγ) to assess upregulation.
• Highly purified epithelial cells were used to present tetanus toxoid antigen to autologous T cells.
• Antigen presentation capacity was assessed by T cell proliferation.

Main Results:

• Endometrial epithelial cells constitutively express MHC class II.
• Interferon gamma (IFNγ) upregulated MHC class II on cultured epithelial cells.
• Isolated endometrial epithelial cells processed and presented tetanus toxoid antigen, inducing T cell proliferation.
• Sub-epithelial stromal cells also demonstrated potent antigen-presenting capabilities.

Conclusions:

• Isolated endometrial epithelial cells can directly process and present antigens to T cells.
• These epithelial cells may play a role in antigen transcytosis and delivery to stromal antigen-presenting cells.
• Endometrial epithelial cells are active participants in the immune surveillance of the female reproductive tract.